iron Archives

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

7 Things in Hytale’s Early Game that Surprised Me as a Minecraft Veteran

Hytale has entered early access, offering players a vibrant world to explore. Early-game guides are being developed to assist newcomers with topics like smelting and server setups. The game is inspired by Minecraft but features unique elements. Key observations from the early game include: 1. Players can fell an entire tree with a single punch, resulting in an explosion of wood, sticks, and sap. 2. Overworld mobs, such as squirrels and rabbits, have more health than expected, requiring multiple hits to defeat. 3. Ores glimmer faintly in underground caves, making them easier to spot with torches. 4. The crafting system requires various materials for gear progression, making it more intricate compared to Minecraft. 5. There are enhanced decorative options, allowing for slanted roof blocks, half-block walls, and shelves with candles and books. 6. Exploration reveals unique locations like the "Forgotten Temple Gateway," which features distinctive mobs and NPCs. 7. Farming mechanics are more complex, with players able to construct animal care buildings and use farming aids, and new seeds requiring “Essence of Life.”

AppWizard

January 14, 2026

Fable creator Peter Molyneux’s new strategy game is set to fill the Black and White void, and you can play it surprisingly soon

Masters of Albion is an upcoming game set to be released on April 22, 2026. It features a unique universe inspired by the ancient name for Great Britain and combines city-building with combat gameplay. Players will manage resources and construct a town during the day, while at night, they take on the role of a hero to fend off enemies in third-person combat. The game includes extensive customization options for warriors, the ability to recruit allies, and a god game mechanic that allows players to craft weapons and interact with townsfolk. A trailer has been released showcasing dynamic battles, and players can wishlist the game and join its official Discord community. Peter Molyneux has described it as a "reinvention of the god game."

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

Anthem is finally, officially dead

At approximately 2:05 PM EST today, players of Anthem were unexpectedly disconnected from EA's servers, marking the official end of the game after nearly seven years since its launch. The game had struggled with live service management and received a lukewarm reception, with a review rating of 55 in February 2019. Development issues and a lack of creative direction plagued Anthem, leading to abandoned plans for reinvention in February 2021. EA announced the game's closure in July, and in its final hours, the community engaged in a nostalgic farewell. Players expressed mixed feelings about the game's experience, highlighting both the thrill of combat and frustrations with its design.

AppWizard

January 11, 2026

Manor Lords’ dev is experimenting with a new trading system that allows for ‘deliberate economic strategies’, including establishing monopolies on resources

Manor Lords, developed by Slavic Magic, had a quiet 2025 as the team recalibrated after its successful early access launch in 2024. Activity increased in December with a significant patch that reworked core systems and castle construction mechanics. Tim Bender, CEO of publisher Hooded Horse, announced a new trade route system that connects locations to the import and export of items, allowing up to three merchants per route. Players must hire at least one merchant to engage in trade, and can attempt to buy out merchants on a route, creating contested economic territory. This system enables players to develop economic strategies, such as monopolizing Iron Slabs. Hooded Horse and Slavic Magic are seeking feedback from the Manor Lords community on these features. Additionally, Hooded Horse launched the 1.0 version of Terra Invicta, a sci-fi grand strategy game, and Bender opposed the use of AI-generated assets in their games.

Winsage

December 27, 2025

I’ve been dual-booting Windows 11 and Linux in total harmony throughout 2025 — Microsoft is in no danger of a mass exodus (unless it fumbles AI in Windows 12)

In 2025, many users began transitioning to Linux due to dissatisfaction with Windows 11 and the end-of-life status of Windows 10. Users faced challenges with Windows 11's stringent hardware requirements, leading some to seek alternatives. Criticism of Windows 11 included issues with the Start menu, high memory consumption, and a perceived prioritization of AI features over user control. Some users have successfully adopted Linux, finding open-source alternatives to popular applications, though hardware compatibility and troubleshooting remain concerns. Familiar desktop environments like KDE Plasma and Cinnamon in distributions such as Fedora and Linux Mint have made Linux more accessible. While some distributions aim to enhance gaming performance, many users still prefer Windows for certain tasks, particularly those involving Adobe products. Microsoft's dominance in the desktop OS market is expected to continue, with future developments potentially influenced by AI integration. The relationship between Windows and Linux may evolve towards coexistence rather than a complete shift in dominance.

AppWizard

December 25, 2025

Sci-Fi Survival Horror Game Free on the Epic Games Store for 24 Hours

The Epic Games Store offers free games weekly, with a special holiday promotion providing a new free game every 24 hours. The latest free game, The Callisto Protocol, will be available from December 24th at 11 AM ET until December 25th at 11 AM ET. Players who claim it will retain access indefinitely. The Callisto Protocol is a narrative-driven third-person survival horror game set in a futuristic environment, where players escape a high-security prison while facing monstrous inmates. It received a Metacritic rating of 69 and mixed reviews on Steam, with praise for its graphics and narrative but criticism for combat variety. The Steam Winter Sale runs until January 5th, and the next free title from the Epic Games Store will be announced on December 25th at 11 AM ET.

AppWizard

December 22, 2025

Skateboarding games had a huge 2025, but it was the controversial Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 that I couldn’t put down

The author discovered Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 this year, which changed their perception of the franchise. The series, once popular in the late '90s and early 2000s, has seen a decline in the PC gaming community. The author had previously only played Tony Hawk's Underground 2. The remake of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 in 2020 showcased the series' peak design. The environments in 3 + 4 are integrated into urban landscapes, including a college campus, an airport, and Alcatraz Island. Some fans were unhappy with the removal of the open-world structure in THPS 4 and the introduction of forced timers. The reimagined levels in the remake play well, with new maps like the Waterpark and a pinball machine level. Despite its release in July 2025 being overlooked due to its changes, the remake features impressive animations, a refreshed soundtrack, and modernized graphics. The author believes the remake serves as a great entry point for newcomers to the series.

AppWizard

December 22, 2025

Five new Steam games you probably missed (December 22, 2025)

Steam releases a dozen new games daily, making it easy for hidden gems to go unnoticed. A selection of engaging PC games includes: - Mon Bazou: Releases on December 19, developed by Santa Goat. Players upgrade a vehicle in a quirky world, with over 10,000 reviews rated "overwhelmingly positive." - Swordhaven: Iron Conspiracy: Releases on December 17, developed by AtomTeam. This fantasy RPG, inspired by classic CRPGs, features real-time with pause and turn-based combat. - Bottle Can Float: Releases on December 17, developed by Kayla.Z. A serene game where players watch a vessel navigate through landscapes, ideal for relaxation. - BioMenace Remastered: Releases on December 19, developed by Rigel Gameworks. A remastered classic platformer with new features like an easy mode and a level editor, along with a new episode of over 15 levels. - Execute: Releases on December 16, developed by Payne Robinson. A darkly humorous idle game where players eliminate everyone in the world using various methods.

AppWizard

December 21, 2025

Blocks Magazine #135: LEGO Iron Man, Minecraft, City and more – Fantha Tracks | Daily Star Wars News

The 134th edition of Blocks magazine will be available in UK stores on January 2, 2026. It features insights into the 76344 Iron Man Mark 3 Collectors’ Edition, highlights from the Minecraft series, and new sets launching in January 2026. Subscribers can win the 75419 Death Star by subscribing before December 23, 2025. The issue includes exclusive Quick Build instructions for four projects and reviews of various LEGO sets. Subscriptions in the UK are priced at £64.90 annually, offering a savings of £52.10. Each month, subscribers have the chance to win prizes, and existing subscribers are automatically entered into the prize draw.

AppWizard

December 17, 2025

Minecraft: Mounts of Mayhem- How To Ride Camel Husks

The Camel Husk is a new double-seater mount introduced in Minecraft's latest update, found exclusively in the Desert biome at night or during thunderstorms. It spawns when ridden by a Husk and a Parched, collectively known as the Camel Husk Jockey. Taming the Camel Husk requires a saddle, but players must first defeat the Husk and Parched. Players can lead or heal the Camel Husk using a Rabbit’s Foot, which can be obtained from defeating Rabbits or the Husk itself. Riding the Camel Husk allows for two players and features a dash charge mechanic. The Parched also spawns in the Desert biome at night, typically in groups of four, and wields a bow or may appear in armor. Both the Camel Husk and Parched do not burn in sunlight, which affects gameplay strategies.